American singer Jack Avery has broken his silence after his ex-partner, social media influencer Gabriela Gonzalez, was charged with allegedly plotting to kill him amid a custody dispute. Avery, a member of the boy band Why Don’t We, posted a statement on Instagram on Friday, May 22, following the arrests of Gonzalez, her father Francisco Gonzalez, and her former boyfriend Kai Cordrey.
The alleged murder-for-hire plot, which authorities say was staged to look like a car crash, stemmed from a long-running custody battle over the couple’s seven-year-old daughter, Lavender. According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by People, the dispute involved visitation rights and custody of the child.
In his statement, Avery said he had stayed silent for years out of respect for the legal process but decided to speak now that the truth had unfolded. He confirmed he has sole custody of his daughter, stating, “Lavender, who is safe, healthy and deeply loved. I look forward to continuing to build a peaceful and stable life for her.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced on May 19 that Gonzalez, Francisco Gonzalez, and Cordrey were each charged with one count of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. Prosecutors allege that between 2020 and 2021, Gonzalez sought Cordrey’s help to hire a hitman on the dark web to kill Avery.
A witness told police that Francisco Gonzalez allegedly paid Cordrey $10,000 to carry out the murder. Investigators said Francisco became deeply involved in the custody battle, attempting to discredit and monitor Avery. One witness reportedly quoted Francisco as saying it would be cheaper if Avery were dead. If convicted, the three face 25 years to life in prison.
Avery had previously revealed in an interview last September that FBI agents had warned him of a threat to his life. He expressed gratitude to law enforcement and the district attorney’s office, and urged his followers to “always seek the truth.”
